A man who attacked a father of four with a claw hammer was jailed for six years today.

Derick Harcourt, 35, the boyfriend of the estranged man's wife, admitted wounding Mazen Doleh with intent to cause grievous bodily harm Mr Doleh, 46, broke down and cried because he felt the sentence was too short.

Speaking after Harcourt was sentenced at Hove Crown Court, he said: "This is not justice, I thought I was going to die. The doctor said I am lucky to be alive.

"My life is in ruins. I am going to live in fear I cannot think of the future."

Walton Hornsby, prosecuting, told the court Mr Doleh and his wife Lorraine, who had been married for 10 years, separated after having marital problems. Mr Doleh's new lover, Harcourt, a glazier, later moved moved into the family home.

The attack happened in June when Mr Doleh returned to his former family home in Ravenswood Drive, Woodingdean, with the intention of changing the locks.

When Harcourt returned to the house Mr Doleh was hit seven or eight times on the head with a claw hammer on the front path.

Mr Doleh, who is currently living in a caravan at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton, was seriously injured and needed an operation on a depression on his skull.

He continues to suffer from headaches and dizziness and walks with the aid of a stick.

Jeremy Gold, defending, said Harcourt lost control after being subjected to the gravest provocation.

He said: "He found himself stuck bang in the middle of the simmering matrimonial dispute between Mr and Mrs Doleh. "

Mr Gold said Mrs Doleh gave birth to Harcourt's daughter in August and the couple plan to live together when he is released from prison.

Harcourt had denied a charge of attempted murder and a formal verdict of not guilty was entered.